The city of Alexandria, Virginia is located approximately twenty-five miles west of Washington D.C. and is known for its history, culture, and natural beauty. Its proximity to the nation’s capital makes it an attractive place to live for many and has made it one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. Alexandria has everything that one could need while visiting the area, and more. With so many things to do and see, a stay in Alexandria can feel like an extended vacation. This article lists everything you need to know about Alexandria, VA, and what to do there.

What to See and Do in Alexandria, Virginia

With so many attractions to see, you may find yourself with a busy itinerary. Luckily, Alexandria, Virginia is a great place to visit for the entire family.  There are plenty of museums and historical sites in the city that are well worth exploring. The National Museum of the United States Navy is a must-see for naval history enthusiasts and is one of the largest collections of naval artifacts in the world. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is another excellent museum that focuses on the maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay area. The Children’s Museum of Virginia is a hands-on educational experience for all ages. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has a large collection of world-class art and offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages. More information here.

Where is Alexandria, Virginia?

Alexandria, Virginia is located in the state of Virginia, east of Washington D.C. It is bordered by the independent cities of Fairfax to the north, Arlington to the west, and Falls Church to the south. It is approximately twenty-five miles west of the District of Columbia and eighty-five miles north of Richmond, the state capital. The city is named for Alexander the Great’s Macedonian chief of staff.  It is home to the largest McArthur Museum in the world. The oldest public park in the country, George Washington Memorial Park is a great place to start your visit. Alexandria has many Victorian homes in the city’s historic district. There are many restaurants and bars throughout the city, and the waterfront is a popular place to visit. Find the next article here.

Alexandria, Virginia: A Brief History

The native people of the Virginia region were the Powhatans. Around the year 1000 AD, European explorers first set foot in what would become Alexandria. It would be nearly two hundred more years before the first permanent settlement was established. The city was founded as a port town in 1749, by Colonel George Washington and Captain William Brainard. They named the city in honor of one of their friends, Alexander Hamilton. The town was initially a trading center for tobacco, rice, and indigo.  The city was also a stop for immigrants traveling north to the New World. It became the state capital in 1845 and the location of the first federal penitentiary in 1850. The Civil War saw a large influx of war-related industries to the city, and a large influx of residents as well. The city was struck by a devastating fire in 1904, which devastated much of the downtown commercial district. It was rebuilt in only nine months thanks to a mass volunteer effort.